Ed Miliband wage plans

He wants companies to pledge to pay at least £7.20 an hour – compared to the legal minimum wage of £6.19.

Doncaster North MP Mr Miliband announced the initiative as a key plank of his “One Nation” vision for Britain.

He said: “An individual earning the living wage is afforded not only a better standard of living, but also a better quality of life. It would allow many families in our area to afford things beyond the bare essentials.”